Fluvanna County

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Steve Watson
Roy Wheeler Realty Co.
Direct: (434) 951-5193
Cell: (434) 466-9418
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Fluvanna County

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History

The area which is now Fluvanna County was once part of Henrico County, one of the original shires of the Virginia Colony. Henrico was divided in 1727 and the Fluvanna County area became a part of Goochland County. In 1744 Goochland was divided and the area presently known as Fluvanna became a part of Albemarle County. Finally, in 1777, Albemarle County was divided and Fluvanna County established. The County was named for the Fluvanna River, the name given to James River west of Columbia. Fluvanna means "Annie's River" in honor of Queen Anne of England.

From an initial 882 "tithables," the population reached 3,300 by 1782. Columbia was formed in 1788 with Bernardsburg and Wilmington following soon after. Lyles Baptist Church was organized in 1774 and the formation of the Methodist denomination had its roots in a Conference held in Fluvanna in 1779. The "Brick Union" Church was built in 1825 for the use of Episcopalians, Methodists, Baptists and Presbyterians. The village of Fork Union grew up around the Church.

When Palmyra was made the county seat in 1828 it quickly became a thriving town after the new courthouse was completed in 1830. While Palmyra has changed and modernized over the years, it still possesses an aura of tranquility.

The Rivanna Navigation Company was organized in 1805 to improve the Rivanna. Eventually a series of locks and dams were built from Columbia to Milton, five miles below Charlottesville. The James River and Kanawaha Canal, which was completed in 1840, ran along the James on Fluvanna's southern boundary. Both canals brought prosperity to the county until they were supplanted by the railroad in 1881. There were numerous successful gold mines located in the eastern half of the county during the 1830's.

Fluvanna was defended by six militia companies during the Revolution. The county was invaded by British forces in 1781 when the Point of Fork Arsenal was destroyed. While no Civil War battles were fought in Fluvanna, Union soldiers burned mills, bridges and damaged the James River canal.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 20,047 people, 7,387 households, and 5,702 families residing in the county. The population density was 27/km² (70/mi²). There were 8,018 housing units at an average density of 11/km² (28/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 79.44% White, 18.41% Black or African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.29% from other races, and 1.25% from two or more races. 1.17% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 7,387 households out of which 32.50% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.60% were married couples living together, 9.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.80% were non-families. 18.80% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the county, the population was spread out with 23.60% under the age of 18, 6.40% from 18 to 24, 31.70% from 25 to 44, 24.40% from 45 to 64, and 14.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 86.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.20 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $46,372, and the median income for a family was $51,141. Males had a median income of $32,346 versus $24,774 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,338. 5.90% of the population and 3.90% of families were below the poverty line. 5.60% of those under the age of 18 and 7.30% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Recreation, Attractions, Dining & Shopping

Fluvanna Heritage Trail

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The Fluvanna Heritage Trail is located on 1000 glorious acres along the Rivanna River. Open from daylight to dusk, the Fluvanna Heritage Trail and Village Park are designed to provide pedestrian access for tourists and local citizens by linking the village of Palmyra to Pleasant Grove and miles of developed hiking trails. The trail helps capture the beauty and historical significance of Fluvanna County, as well as providing a public space for students of all ages to learn about the environmental and cultural history of the area. Birding trails, historic sites and easy access to the Rivanna River make the trail attractive and rewarding to visitors.

Fluvanna County Courthouse Historic District

Maggie's House, the new headquarters of the Fluvanna County Historical Society on Main Street, Palmyra, is open every Tues-Thurs from 1:00-4:00pm for research and for information on the Holland Page Place, the Old Stone Jail Museum and other heritage attractions in the county. The phone number at Maggie's House is 434-589-7910. Maggie's House is an historic home in the center of the historic district. The Old Stone Jail Museum is open May 28-end of October on Wed, Sat and Sunday from 1:00-4:00pm. Tours begin at Maggie's House.

Located in the small town of Palmyra, the Fluvanna Courthouse Historic District includes a cluster of buildings called, “the Acropolis of Palmyra,” by architectural historian Talbot Hamlin. The village of Palmyra is dominated by the once-active courthouse, with a temple-form Greek Doric exterior, completed in 1831. The Courthouse is one of the few antebellum courthouses in Virginia to remain without additions and retain its original interior arrangement and many original fittings. Inscribed on the stone lintel above the entrance is, “THE MAXIM HELD SACRED BY EVERY FREE PEOPLE/OBEY THE LAWS.” No longer in use as the courthouse, the building is now used for meeting space by county residents, and the interior can be viewed only by appointment with the historical society. Parking is available at the new courthouse, located at 132 Main Street, next door to the old Courthouse.

Holland Page Place

Along with the Rivanna River, the Holland Page place, built in 1865, is listed as an "American Treasure" by the Clinton administration during the year 2000 as part of the White House Millenium Program.
The home is a log cabin typical of the antebellum period in Fluvanna County. The cabin is representative of the type of housing and standard of living most often found throughout the rural South in the post-war period. The Holland Page place is unfurnished and open by appointment only. The home is easily viewed from the small parking lot. For information about receiving a tour of the house, contact the Fluvanna County Historical Society at (434) 981-5593.

Pleasant Grove

Pleasant Grove is a lovely 960 acre site located near the town of Palmyra. Anchoring the western end of the Heritage Trail leading to the Village Park, Pleasant Grove was purchased by the county of Fluvanna to use as a recreation and governmental facility area. The mansion, Pleasant Grove, is the former home of the Haden family, and future plans include restoration of the house. Trails provide access to the river and recreational facilities include a ball field, amphitheater and picnic area.

Each fall on the 2nd Saturday in October the site hosts OLD FARM DAYS, a tribute to a by gone way of life. A Great experience for young and young-at-heart.

For more information about the facility call the Fluvanna County Parks and Recreation Department at (434) 842-3150.

ChelSea at Palmer Country Manor

A Restaurant serving elegant country cuisine "in the gracious ambiance of an 1831 Inn." The chef brings a touch of the old world to every meal that is served. French cuisine and seasonal regional menu. Dinner menu ranges from tender prime rib to vegetarian's delight. Reservations for dinner are accepted from guest at the Inn as well as residents of the surrounding area. Sunday champagne brunch. Call (434) 589- 1300 to make your reservations.